What we did at Iceland Airwaves 2010

22 October 2010, 12:30 | Written by Vasilis Panagiotopoulos

(Live)

(Iceland Airwaves)

Oh, please don’t ask me to be objective about this festival… I just can’t! I love it to bits! Its friendly atmosphere and compact size, the prevailing feeling of togetherness amongst its jolly attendants, its democratic character (don’t like this band – well, there are about ten others playing at the same time) and the sense of remoteness from anything stressful back home add up to its unique character.

With new – and admittedly better – organisers this year (gone is Mr. Destiny, hello Iceland Music Export) it focuses equally on the newest offerings of an exciting local scene and also on some hotly-tipped international discoveries. The music geeks are here. The hipsters are here. The industry is here. The international press musos are here. And some random German tourists.

A few things we indulged with during its unforgettable 2010 Airwaves visit:

Intensive Laugavegur strolling

Reykjavík is admittedly not that big. And if you’re there for Airwaves, the chances are that you’re going to be walking up and down its high street more than a few times over the long weekend. Better get used to it.

Coffee at 12 Tónar

Step in. Have a cup of Lárus’ and Jóhannes’ delicious espresso and take your time to skim through a tremendous wealth of Icelandic releases that are on offer in this iconic Reykjavík record store.

Backyard film

If you want a crash course on the Icelandic music scene, then check out the brand-new film called ‘Backyard’. Created by some of the scene’s very own gurus (including Árni of FM Belfast fame) it tells the story of seven Icelandic bands wanting to organise an impromptu gig. Watch the trailer below.

Off-venue gigs at Havarí

The arty record store Havarí is the best place to experience an Icelandic band at a breath’s distance. It’s small size, bright colours, central location and a good selection of Icelandic indie bands of the moment make it indispensable.

Partying at Bakkus

Central Reykjavík venue names and preferences change at light speed. At the time I’m drafting this Bakkus is the place to be. Made some new friends there. They were drinking champagne out of the bottle while were hiding a large selection of vodkas in their rucksacks…

Brennivín

Dangerous stuff if not consumed with moderation. And of course moderation is unheard of at a place and festival like this.

Early-hours Bæjarins Beztu hot-dog

Self-explanatory. Delicious. It’s all about the sauces and the random chats with strangers while queuing.

Icelanders

What is more to say about this loveable species? Talk to them. Especially when they’re on the tipsy side. They’re great fun. Expect some randomness. Don’t oppose it. Embrace it.

AND THE MUSIC ITSELF:

Agent Fresco @ Nasa, Wednesday 13/10

Agent Fresco sport an elaborate blend of math rock. Tight rhythm section. Extremely well-executed. Admittedly not my cup of tea. But good.

Mammút @ Nasa, Wednesday 13/10

A tiny red-haired girl dressed in a skeleton suit rocking her guts out. Not very original but still utterly melodic and catchy. The basics are there. You can work on it guys, c’mon!

Murder

Label Love @ Sjoppan, Thursday 14/10

Label Love is an ace concept and TLOBF is eager to see more of those happening around UK and Europe. Essentially it’s a collaboration between Danish Good Tape Records, Icelandic Kimi Records and our very own Brainlove Records. They organise joint showcases in strange places, release great stuff and spread the love. Icelandic Prinspóló kicked-off the event with their blissful pop – aided by well-know local graphic artist and FM Belfast member Lóa Hjálmtýsdóttir. Murder from Denmark took over. This acoustic duo showcased a rare talent and solid song-writing abilities, packed with beautiful harmonies. The fact that all this was taking place in a hairdressers’ salon added up to the immediacy and intimacy of the whole thing. Finally, Bastardgeist’s boy-girl electro mishmash… these young Chicago exports charmed everybody in the room with their melancholic beats.

Amiina @ Reykjavík Arts Museum, Thursday 14/10

Amiina remain one of the most interesting bands one can associate with the so-called ‘Icelandic sound’. Personally I think they work better in smaller, more unusual places, rather than a big and characterless hall like this. On the positive side of things the material from the newly-released Puzzle is endearing.

Amiina performing with Efterklang

Efterklang @ Reykjavík Arts Museum, Thursday 14/10

I’ve seen Efterklang play lots of times. This is by far the one I enjoyed the most. The band were in very good form and they revisited a wide selection of songs from all of their three albums They performed together with Amiina with whom they nurture an old friendship (Amiina are released on Rumraket – Efterklang’s own label) and when bassist/vocalist Rasmus Stolberg referred to how the two bands met few years ago it made for a very special moment.

Hurts

Hurts @ Reykjavík Arts Museum, Friday 15/10

The set of Manchester synthpop duo Hurts had been eagerly awaited in Reykjavík. Hurts do very well what only few revivalist acts manage: distil the catchy elements of a certain genre (new wave in this case) to a very large public appeal. Soundwise nothing challenging, but that’s not the point, is it?

Alcoholic Faith Mission @ Reykjavík Downtown Hostel, Saturday 16/10

Next day. Smaller venue. Change of mood. Alcoholic Faith Mission from Copenhagen are just lovely! Their stripped-down acoustic performance in a hostel lounge was flawless. Smooth vocal harmonies, accordion and tambourine joy. Kudos for using dynamics so cleverly.

Alcoholic Faith Mission

Apparat Organ Quartet @ Nasa, Saturday 16/10

To connoisseurs of the Icelandic music scene Apparat Organ Quartet and their analog synth, vocorder-ladden trademark sound need no introduction. Founded in 1999, they count renowned composer Jóhann Jóhannsson in their ranks and have often been compared to Kraftwerk. A sophomore album is at last in the making (yes, they have only released a debut back in 2002!) and their new material sounds very good. Great performance far removed from any dubious hype.

Robyn @ Reykjavík Arts Museum, Saturday 16/10

What else is there to say about Robyn? The Swedish songstress is SO on top of her game! She restlessly roamed the stage throughout her whole set. The dazzling thing about Robyn is that she seemed genuinely appreciative and moved by the love a screaming Reykjavík crowd gave her. Swedish pop at its best.